Automatic chemical fire-extinguishing system.



No. 633,970. I Patented Sept. '26, I899. .u. BUSH. AUTOIATIC CHEMICAL FIRE EXT INGUISHIN G SYSTEM. A u'mm m m 98,1898.) 7 (Ho'llndeh) 2 Shuts-Sheet 2.

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Mimi/Em UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HENRY BUSH, OF DAYTON, onto, Assieuon 'ro ALBERT n; KENNEDY, or

SAME PLACE.

AUTOMATIC CHEMICAL FlRE-EXTlNGUlSHlNG SYSTEM.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters'Patent No. 633,970, dated September 26, 1899.

I application filed June 23, 1896. Serial No. 596,637. (No model.) I

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY BUSH, a citizen of the United States, formerly of Columbus, but now residing 'at Dayton, in the county of Montgomery and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Automatic Chemical Fire-Extinguishin g Sys tems, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to [O the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification.

My invention relates to an entirely automatic fire-extinguishing system for buildings; I

and it has for its object the production and I 5 coaction of automatic means whereby in the absence of watchmen or attendants should a fire break out at any time in any room or part of the building equipped with my apparatus the heat occasioned thereby would first release one or more discharge-valves in the line of distributing-pipes and by such release and consequent reduction of pressure in'the distributing-pipes permit the automatic ac-- tion of means for causing the generation of 2 5 gas in a vessel or tank containing liquid and chemicals, which vessel would first discharge its gaseous and liquid contents through the distributing-pipes upon the incipient fire and at the same time sound and sendin an alarm to some fire-departmenhand then when the discharging pressure of the vessel became nearly or quite exhausted a second source of constant water-supply would be automatically turned on and discharged through the 5 distributing pipes upon the fire, so that should the alarm be unheeded or a delay ocour in reaching the fire there would be no cessation of discharge of water upon the tire even after the gas generating vessel had 40 ceased to act. o

The novelty'of my invention will be here-' inafter set forth, and'specifically pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which the 5 same numerals of reference are used to indicate identical parts, Figure 1 designates a general view of my fire'extinguishing system, parts being insection to illustrate details of construction. Fig. 2 is a View in side elevation and section, on a larger scale, of the diaphragm and acid-jar tripping or dropping mechanism. Fig. 3 isa side viewof the acidjarand its supporting-frame; Fig. 4, is a side .view of my improved sprinkler-head. Fig. 5 is a top plan View of the sprinkler.

1 designates a tank which is to be supplied with a suitable quantity of water containing soda in solution. Leading from this tank at or near its bottomis a pipe 2, which will terminate in any desired or suitable number of sprinkler-heads near the ceiling of the room tov be protected againstfire.

3 designates the pipe of the street or main water-supply, which is connected with the pipe 2 and with the tank by branches, which are provided with suitable valves for opening and closing the same. Below the point of connection of the main water'-snpply with the pipe 2 isv a check-valve l, which opens upward only, and therefore prevents backflow of water into the tank when a flow from the main is established in the sprinkler-pipes.

Constructed upon the top of the tank is a dome or cage 5, through which the acid-jar 6 is passed into the tank and in which it is supported. The acid-jar will preferably be made of aluminium, because of the non-corrodibi-l ity of that metal, and it will have at its open end a horizontally-projecting collar or shoulder 6, chaint'ered at its underside, for the 8:1 purpose to be explained fartheronr The jar also has two trunnions 6", located on opposite sides thereof below, and in a line to one side of a vertical line passing through thecenter of gravity. These trunnions project into the slots 7 in a frame 7, screwed to the under side of the cap-plate of the dome or cage. At the inner side of the dome or cage is an arc-shaped piece 8, which has its upper side beveled or chalnfered to fit under the corre- Y spondingly-shaped shoulder on theupperend of the acid-jar. This arc-shaped piece has a rod or stem 8, that extends out through a perforated fitting or boss on the side of the dome. The stem or rod is encircled by'and 5v has attached to it acoil-spring 8 which is adapted to hold the same normally outward. Pivoted to the fitting or boss is a forked lever 9, the short or fork arms of which are connected to the end of the rod 8?, so that when roo the long arm is pressed down the spring 8 is compressed and the arc-shaped piece 8 thrown inward into position to engageand sustain the jar in an upright position in the upper part of the tank.

Arranged upon the tank andin juxtaposition to the lever 9 is a diaphragm-chamber 10, formed of two concaved disks, which are bolted together upon a diaphragm 10, of rubber or other flexible material. Fastened to the diaphragm and passing through a centrally-located boss or fitting on the inner side of the diaphragm-chamber is a stem or rod 11, which has at its end a trip 11, adapted to extend over the trip-lever 9. The stem or rod 11 is encircled by a coil-spring 11 which tends to push the rod toward the diaphragmchamber 10. Connecting the outer side of the diaphragm or that side opposite the trip 11 and the pipe 2 is a pipe 12, in which is a check-valve 12 to prevent the backflow of water into the diaphragm-chamber. Communicating with the outer side of the diaphragm-chamber also is a pipe 13, through which compressed air is supplied to the diaphragm-chamber and pipe 2 by means of a hydraulic motor and air-pump l4, operated automatically by water flowing from the main supply through pipe 15. Where nomain or street su pply is available and the liquids and gases of the tank are relied upon for extinguishing a fire, suitable reservoirs of compressed air or gas may be substituted for the hydraulic motor and ail puinp.

The number of sprinkler-heads to be employed will of course be determined by the area to be protected. In Figs. 5 and 6 I have illustrated the form of sprinkler that I have devised for use in connection with my apparatus. It consists of a short pipe or nipple 16, provided with horizontally-extending ears 16 and 16. Pivoted to the ear 16 is a lever 17, one arm of which is curved down to stand under the opening of the nipple or short pipe 16, where it is furnished with an adjustable screw-threaded pin that supports at its upper end a valve adapted to close the opening of the nipple. The other end of the lever 17 is constructed to be fastened to the ear 16 by means of a few coils of wire 18, which fuse or melt upon an abnormal rise of temperature. A coil-spring 17 aids in throwing the lever 17 when the wire 18 has fused.

The sprinkler or water-spraying device consists of a hub 20, having radially-extending wings 20 set therein at an incline to the direction of the water flowing from the nipple. These wings also have teeth 20, bent out of their lower edges, which are designed to further break the stream. Upon the top of the hub of the sprinkler is secured a disk 21, having teeth bent slightly upward, which are arranged to extend over the space between the radial arms to further divide the descending current of water. In the center of the disk 21 is a cone which spreadsand directs the impinging stream outwardly to the sprinkling devices. The spraying device is supported horizontally upon a pendent rod 20, which is slidable in the bar 6 and maybe clamped in any adjustment bya screw, as shown in Fig. 4.

I propose to combine with the apparatus thusfar described means for automatically establishing a flow of water from the streetmain or other main water-supply, if such a supply be available. To do this, I connect a pipe 22, having a cheek-valve 22", closing toward the diaphragm-chamber, with the pipe 12 between the diaphragm and the check valve 12 in said pipe and with a compressedair chamber 23. On this chamber 23 1 provide a cylinder 23, having a movable piston 23, connected air-tightly by an expansible bellows-like sack of leather or other flexible material 23 with the interior of the chamber.

The valve 2% of the water-main pipe is furnished with a slotted arm 24, which is connected with the piston 23" bya rod 25. Upon this rod is a shoulder 25*, between which and a fixed bracket on the pipe is a coil-spring 25*, that forces the rod, and consequently the valves arm, inward when pressure on the inner side of the piston is reduced to the desired degree. The chamber 23 is connected with the upper part of the tank by means of a short pipe 26, in which is a check-valve 26, opening into the tank, so that when the pres sure in the tank is exhausted the compressed air of this chamber 23 shall also exhaust into the tank and allow the spring 25 as before stated, to draw inward the rod 25, and consequently the lever 24, thus opening the main water-supply.

In connection with my apparatus I may also employ an alarm-one electrically-open ated will be most convenient and effective.

The circuit for such an alarm can be closed by the action of the trip on the diaphragm. I have illustrated the proper devices for carrying out this detail, and they will be readily understood from an inspection of the drawings. Not only will a bell at the place of the fire be sounded, but connections may be made for signaling the municipal fire department.

The operation of my apparatus is as follows: The tank is supplied with a suitable quantity of water containing soda in solution and the acid-jar with a proper quantity of sulfuric acid. The valves of the sprinklerheads are closed tightly, the fusible wires having been first fastened around the supporting-lever. The air-pump is then put into operation and the air compressed into the outer side of the diaphragm-chamber as well as into the sprinkler-pipes, and the chamber containing the piston for the automatic operation of the main water-supply. When the pressure of air in the sprinkler-pipes and diaphragm-chamber has risen to a given point, the trip-rod on the diaphragm is pushed out until it extends over the depressed long arm of the lever 9, which is thus held until the diaphragm retracts upon the release of pressure in the diaphragm-chamber. Upon an abnormal and dangerous rise of temperature, as in case of fire, the fusible-wire fastenings of the levers of the sprinkler-heads melt, the valves on the nipples drop ed, and the compressed air escapes, permittingthe diaphragm to retract, and with it the trip on the lever 9.

The coil-spring on the stem 8 withdraws the holder of the acid-jar, which drops and turns over, discharging its contents into the tank. A large quantity of carbonic-acid gas is thus generated, which together with the water flows with great violence into the sprinklerpipes and onto the incipient fire, the sprinklers thoroughly distributing the water and gas. Very little or no water is ordinarily required, as the carbonic-acid gas alone is an efficient extinguisher of tire. Usually the fire-department or other persons will have appeared by the ti me the tank is exhausted, but if not the main Water-supply Will have been automatically put into operation upon the reduction of pressure in the tank, as hereinbeforestated.

What I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is a 1. In a fire-extinguishing system and in combination, a preliminary supplyvessel containing liquid, a distributing-pipe leading from said vessel and having therein one or more heat-releasable discharge-valves, means for automatically maintaining a pressure in said distributing-pipe, a chemical-supply vessel movably mounted in said preliminary supply vessel and containing chemicals adapted to generate gas when'mixed with the liquid in said preliminary supply vessel, releasing means for said chemical-supply vessel held in engagement therewith by said constant pres.- sure in said distributing-pipe, a fire-alarm mechanism actuated simultaneously with the releasing .of said chemical-supply vessel, a second and constant liquid-supply independent of said preliminary supply-vessel and connected to said distributing-pipe, and a valve intermediate said constant liquid-supply and said distributing-pipe, said valve being nor mally held closed by said constant pressure in said distributing-pipe and abnormally held closed by the pressure of the gas generated by the releasing of said chemical-supply vessel, and said valve being adapted to be automatically opened by the lowering of the pressure of said gas in said pipe caused by the exhaustion of said preliminary supply vessel after the contents of said chemical-supply vessel have been mixed with the liquid in said preliminary supply vessel; whereby, on the releasing of one or more of said dischargevalves said chemical-supply vessel is released and an alarm actuated simultaneously, gas is generated in said preliminary supply vessel and forced through said released discharge valve or valves, and when the pressure of said gas is reduced below an effective pressure the constant liquid-supply valve is opened admitting a constant source of liquid-supply, providing the fire-department (adapted to be called by said fire-alarm) has not yet arrived and prevented the opening of said constant liquid-supply valvein their discretion; substantially as specified.

In a fire-extinguisher system, the combination with a main water-supply pipe 3, a gas-generating tank containing an acid-jar with devices for sustaining the same, a pipe 2 leading from said tank to a structure to be protected, the pipe 3 being connected with the pipe 2, a valve closing said pipe 2 adapted to be automatically operated upon an abnormal rise of temperature, a chamber 10 containing a flexible diaphragm having devices for holding and releasing the acid-jar, a pipe 12 containing check-valve 12, connecting one side of the diaphragm-chamber with the pipe2, an air-pump, a pipe 15 for supplying water from the pipe 3 to automatically operate said pump, and a pipe 13 for conveying compressed air to the diaphragmchamber and pipe 2, substantially as described.

3. In a tire-extinguishing system, the combination with a main water-supply pipe 3, a gas-generating tank containing an acid-jar with'devices for releasabl y holdingthe same, a pipe 2 leading from said tank to a structure to be protected, the pipe 3 being connected with-the pipe 2, a valve closing said pipe 2 adapted to be automatically operated upon an abnormal rise of temperature, a 1

chamber containing a flexible diaphragm having devices for holding and releasing the acidjar, a pipe 12 containing check-valve 12 connecting one side of the diaphragm-chamber with the'pipe 2, an air-pump with a pipe 13 for supplying compressed air to the diaphragm-chamber and pipe 2, a valve 2%, a

compressed-air chamber 23 communicating with the gas-generating tank, a check-valve 26 interposed between said chamber 23'and the tank, and means substantially asde a gas-generating tank containing an acid-jar V with devices for releasably sustaining the,

same, a pipe 2 leading from said tank to a structure to be protected, the pipe 3 being connected with the pipe 2, a valve closing said pipe adapted to be automatically operated upon an abnormal rise of temperature,

a chamber 10 containing afiexible diaphragm having devices for holding and releasing the,

acidrjar, a pipe12 containing check-valve 12 connectingone side of said diaphragm-chamber with the pipe 2, an air-pump with apipe 13 for supplying compressed air to the diaphragm-chamber and pipe 2, a valve 24: a compressed-air chamber 23 communicating with the gas-generating tank,-a check-valve 26 interposed between the said chamber 23 and the tank, a pipe 22 containing checkvalve 22 connected with the pipe 12 for supplying compressed air to the chamber 23, and means, substantially as described, in said chamber for actuating the valve 24 upon the escape of the compressed air from said chamber into the tank, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

5. Asprinkler forfirecxtinguishers having a series of inclined radial arms 20 of sheet metal with free spaces between them, said radial arms having teeth 2O bent out of their lower edges and projecting into the space be-, tween the said arms, substantially as shown.

6. In a tank for chemical fire-extinguishers, an acid-jar having a chamfered or beveled shoulder at its upper end and trunnions located out of the center of gravity of the jar when in upright position, a supporting-frame for said jar consisting of two arms 7 having slots 7 to receive the trunnions secured to the under side of the cap of the tank, and a trip for sustaining and releasing said jar including an arc-shaped piece 8 adapted to engage the beveled shoulder of the jar, and a rod or stem 8 adapted to be operated exteriorly of the tank, substantially as shown and described.

'7. In a fire-extinguishing system and in combination a preliminary supply vessel containing liquid, a distributing-pipe leading from said vessel and having therein one or more heat-releasable discharge-valves, means for automaticallymaintaining the pressure in said distributing-pipe and a chemical-supply vessel adapted to discharge its contents into said preliminary supply vessel, means operated by said constant pressure in said distributing-pipe for preventing the discharge of said chemical-supply vessel, a second and constant liquid-supply connected directly to said distributing-pipe, and a valve intermediate said constant liquid-supply and said distributing-pipe, said valve being normally held closed by effective pressure in said distributing-pipe or said preliminary supply vessel, and said valve being adapted to open when said vessel ceases to be effective, whereby on said preliminary supply vessel through said discharge valve or valves, and when the pressure in said distributing-pipe or preliminary supply vessel ceases to be effective, said constant liquicbsupply valve is opened admitting a constant source of liquid-supply directly to said clistributingpipe, substantially as specified.

8. In a fire-extinguishing apparatus, the combination, with the water and gas tank, a cage. or reduced top extension 5, and a pendent frame, or parallel bars, having lengthwise slots, of the acid-jar, having a head or top shoulder, and trunnions which are located at one side of the diametrical center of the jar, the horizontally-slidable rod 8, which engages thehead of the jar and supports it in normal position; a coil-spring encircling said rod, a pivotal lever 9,whose shorter arms are connected with said rod by links; the slidable trip; a rod 11, held in asuitable bearing and having a catch or trip proper 11", which engages the longer arm of the lever 9, when the latter is in horizontal position; a flexible diaphragm connected with the inner end of the trip-rod, and a chamber for said diaphragm having air-pipes attached for operating as shown and described.

9. In a fire-extinguishing apparatus, the combination, with the water distributing pipe, having pendent nipples, of the sprinkling device, composed of horizontal radial arms 20, which are inclined transversely, and have lateral wings 20 of triangular form and inclined downward, for dividing and deflecting water, and a central conical portion arranged vertically, as shown and described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

HENRY BUSH.

Witnesses:

S. W. LATHAM, GEO. M. FINCHEL. 

